Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy entered La Santé prison in Paris on Tuesday, starting a five-year sentence for conspiring to illegally fund his 2007 campaign with Libyan money.
Sarkozy, 70, left his home hand-in-hand with his wife, Carla Bruni, as supporters cheered, chanting his name and singing La Marseillaise.
The former president, convicted last month, waved somberly before entering a car escorted by police motorbikes to the prison.
The conviction stems from allegations that Sarkozy and close aides orchestrated a scheme to secure millions in cash from Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
While found guilty of conspiracy, Sarkozy was acquitted of directly receiving or using the funds.
His legal team has filed for early release, with a decision expected within two months, potentially by Christmas.
Sarkozy is likely housed in La Santé’s isolation unit, with a 9-to-12-square-meter cell, private shower, and access to a paid television and landline.
He brought three books, including The Count of Monte Cristo, signaling his view of the conviction as unjust.
The jailing of a former president, the first since World War II, has sparked outrage among Sarkozy’s allies and far-right groups.
Supporter Jacqueline Fraboulet called the justice system’s actions excessive.
The case reflects France’s tougher stance on white-collar crime, a shift from past leniency.
President Emmanuel Macron and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin’s interactions with Sarkozy have drawn criticism from left-wing politicians for allegedly undermining judicial independence.
Sarkozy maintains his innocence, posting on X that he is an “innocent man” targeted by a “judicial scandal.”